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Whether your student is starting their first year or their final year at CU Boulder, it’s common to feel uncertain about what the future holds. Your student may know what they want to do after graduation, or they may have no idea, and that’s okay! No matter where they are, here are some steps they can take at every stage of their academic journey to make progress on their goals and get ready for life after college.

First year: Discover and explore options

Many students in their first year at CU Boulder aren’t sure what they want to do after college, and others may change their minds after their first semester. This is the time to explore and discover new interests.

Whether your student is deciding on a major or looking to get involved, it can be helpful to talk things out with someone. And it’s never too early for students to connect with Career Services. Career development advisors can help students explore options, and they provide resources to help students succeed during their time at CU and beyond. Additionally, taking assessments can help your student learn more about their interests and personality to find a path that’s right for them.

Second year: Learn about areas of interest and prepare

Whether your student has career goals in mind or they’re considering professional or graduate school, here are some steps they can take to learn and prepare for their future.

• Working a part-time job helps students gain experience and explore areas of interest.Ìý

• Volunteer opportunities can also help students gain experience, build skills and support a cause that’s important to them. Encourage your student to connect with the Volunteer Resource Center to check out some options.

• This is a great time for your student to create or update their resume and have it reviewed by a career development advisor.

• Students can set up informational interviews to get a deeper knowledge of jobs or industries they’re interested in.

• Encourage your student to attend career fairs and events and set up their free Handshake account to learn more about internship and job opportunities.

• Suggest that your student meet with a career development advisor if they’re considering medical school, law school or other graduate programs to learn about timelines and preparation.

Third year: Gain experience and get organized

It’s common for most students to get an internship in their third or fourth year of college. Even in these uncertain times, many companies are still hiring and offer remote-work opportunities.Ìý

Your student can begin by doing some research into companies they’d like to target for internships this year. Handshake is the best place for students to start looking for internships and jobs. Encourage your student to complete their Handshake profile if they haven’t already done so.Ìý

As your student begins their internship search, they should make sure their resume and LinkedIn profile are updated and mark their calendars for upcoming career fairs and events. Offer to help your student practice their elevator pitch to introduce themselves to potential employers. You can also offer to help your student prepare for interviews as they develop responses to commonly asked questions and practice answers out loud. Career development advisors can also help your student practice for interviews and make a plan for their internship search.Ìý

If your student plans to attend graduate or professional school after graduation, encourage them to research graduate school programs and become familiar with admissions procedures. They should find out if they will need to take a standardized test for admission, and should plan to take it at an optimal time. Students can also begin to obtain letters of recommendation from faculty for their graduate school applications. Career development advisors are also here to help your student develop application materials and draft their personal statement.ÌýÌýÌý

Final year: Finish strong

Finding employment can take anywhere from six to nine months. With this in mind, encourage your student to begin their job search process as early as possible.

Career fairs and networking events are organized to overlap with peak hiring times. Here are a few ways your student can prepare for these opportunities to meet with potential employers:

• Research companies and organizations they wish to pursue for employment.

• Polish their resume and update their Handshake profile.

• Practice their interview skills. Encourage them to schedule a mock interview with a career development advisor prior to big interviews.

If graduate or professional school is your student’s next step after graduation, they should take any required standardized tests as soon as possible. Your student can also have their application and personal statement reviewed by a career development advisor and a faculty member.Ìý

And remember – Career Services is here to help your student at every stage of their academic journey. Our office is open for limited in-person visits, or virtual visits via Zoom, phone or LiveChat on the Career Services website Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more about virtual appointments and drop-in hours.